Thankfulness is one of the greatest lessons I endeavor to teach my children. I want them to express gratitude for a benefit received–no matter how big or small the gift is. It is important they understand everything they have is because of God’s grace and mercy. Nothing belongs to them since everything is from the Lord. I believe it is easier to be thankful–and more generous–when we keep this in mind. Similarly, biblical thanksgiving is an outward acknowledgment of gifts or benefits received, which necessarily consist of three parts:

1. Acknowledging the gift was bestowed;
2. Understanding the recipient is unworthy of the gift;
3. Discerning the gift is magnanimous.

This brings to mind an important question: What philosophical belief with respect to salvation allows the believer to be biblically thankful? Which position–when carried to its logical conclusion–allows one to remain internally consistent? Consider the following:

Some believe that Christ did not atone for the sins of his people in a full and complete manner. To many, his death on the cross only turned away the wrath of God and did not deal with the full penalty of man’s sin. Jesus’ death simply merited grace for mankind which is then channeled through the sacraments of the church. This grace, therefore, enables man to perform works of righteousness to "merit" justification and eternal life. Faith alone in Christ alone is not sufficient to be legally declared righteous before God–one must work for his own salvation. Nevertheless, proponents of this system claim it is not a "works-based" salvation since God puts them in a state of grace in which they are able to perform the good works unto salvation. This is purportedly consistent with Paul’s overwhelming number of passages that speak of salvation being of grace alone and not of works so that no one could boast (Eph 2:8-9). Ask yourself: Can I be biblically thankful (and consistent) for my salvation by believing this?

Then there are others who insist that God offers salvation to everyone equally and leaves the outcome to man. God extends the gift of salvation to his creatures, but then they must receive his free gift. God, Christ and the Holy Spirit each do what they can to entice sinners, but in the final analysis, the unbeliever must choose for himself if he is to accept or to reject the invitation. Man’s acceptance by faith ushers in the consummation of the new life, but this is not looked upon as a good work. It is argued that man’s act of believing is no more a good work than receiving a birthday gift is. But is it? The central issue in this discussion is whether one must add to or cooperate with Christ in order to be justified. If the answer is yes, no matter how small of effort is contributed, then salvation is no longer wholly of grace. Besides, it could be asked: What causes the unbeliever ultimately to accept Christ? Was the sinner more righteous, more discerning, or smarter than his neighbor who rejected the gospel? Does this system of belief lead to the same inconsistent plan of salvation as does the first? Ask yourself: Can I be biblically thankful (and consistent) for my salvation by believing this?

Yet, others believe that sinners are so hardened in their sin that they do not want salvation. They would spit in the face of Christ if given the chance. Sin has so greatly affected their judgment that they do not seek after God (Ps 14; Rom 3). Their hearts are likened to stone–stones do not change because they do not have the capacity to change. The heart must be softened–it must first be turned into a heart of flesh before it can will to do what is pleasing to God (Ezek 36:26). This is the biblical condition of man–a picture that the previous positions must deny in order to remain logically consistent. God must first change the unbeliever, who is at enmity with God (Rom 8:7), before the sinner even has the desire for God (cf. John 6:44). Ask yourself: Can I be biblically thankful (and consistent) for my salvation by believing this?

I believe the answer is obvious. There is only one position whereby the sinner can consistently acknowledge that salvation is a magnanimous gift bestowed upon him–the unworthy recipient. There is nothing man can contribute towards his own salvation–even exercising saving faith–apart from the Holy Spirit working within him, giving him the ability to do so. And there is only one position that rightly understands the biblical condition of man after the Fall wherein he must first have his heart of stone removed and replaced with a heart of flesh. As for me......I will let the reader use his best judgment to determine which of the three positions is in harmony with the entirety of Scripture.